Automatic and all-wheel drive only

All versions of the QX30 will feature a part-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox, which means no matter whether you pick petrol or diesel, you’ll have a car that’s easy to drive and capable enough to deal with slippery surfaces.

To match with the more premium nature of the QX30 compared to its hatchback sibling, Infiniti’s smaller 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines don’t make the grade. Instead, just the larger powerplants are offered:

• 2.1-litre diesel with 167bhp and 350Nm

• 2-litre petrol with 208bhp and 350Nm

With those sorts of figures in mind, we wouldn’t expect sizzling performance, but it’s unlikely to be slow, either. We’d predict 0-62mph times of between seven and nine seconds based on the Q30’s performance, with fuel economy claimed between 40mpg and 60mpg, meaning real-world efficiency of 30mpg-45mpg is likely.

Smart and well-insulated cabin

We’re expecting the well-finished interior from the Q30 to carry over, including comfortable seats and a noise-cancelling system that makes for a very well-insulated cabin.

Though it sits higher than the Q30 (45mm taller than Q30 Sport and 30mm above the Q30 Premium), the company has actually stiffened the QX30’s suspension so its handling doesn’t suffer. While the firm claims it’s still comfortable, we’ll have to drive it to see if there’s any penalty to pay for this seemingly unnecessary sportiness in more of an SUV-type car.

High-tech safety and assistance features

Infiniti claims the QX30 will be the “easiest car to park in its segment” thanks to a combination of a 360-degree camera, automatic parking and moving object detection system.

Radar-guided cruise control has also been introduced, but unlike some rival cars such as the Volvo V40 Cross Country, Infiniti has used a special plating technique for its front badge, allowing the radar to hide behind it and eliminating untidy extra equipment.

Further tech comes in the form of the firm’s InTouch infotainment system, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen controlled in a similar way to smartphones, via swipe and touch commands. A voice control system is also set to be included.

To find out more about this all-new, but not entirely unfamiliar car, keep an eye out for the full Infiniti QX30 review coming soon on Parkers.